At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead compliance for a cutting-edge fintech and drive regulatory relationships.
- Company: High-growth AI-native fintech backed by top tech investors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £140k, equity, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced team with a focus on automation and AI.
- Why this job: Be a foundational hire and shape compliance in an innovative fintech.
- Qualifications: Senior compliance experience and knowledge of FCA regulations required.
We are partnering with a high-growth, AI-native fintech backed by some of Europe's most celebrated technology investors, built by a team with a track record of creating multi-billion pound businesses. They are currently progressing their e-money institution (EMI) licence application with the FCA, alongside strong early commercial traction.
This is a foundational hire to own compliance end-to-end, reporting to the founders. You will lead the business through FCA authorisation as an e-money institution, then build the systems, processes and monitoring that keep it compliant on an ongoing basis, holding the MLRO responsibility personally and acting as the firm's point of contact with the regulator.
This is a builder's role: the founders want someone who designs a lean, automated compliance function and runs it themselves, leaning on AI tooling rather than headcount. Scope is UK e-money and payments only, no crypto or cross-border complexity, but it includes carrying the business through EMI authorisation itself.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the EMI licence application through to FCA authorisation, then own the ongoing regulatory relationship.
- Build and own the compliance function end to end: framework, policies, monitoring and reporting.
- Act as MLRO, owning financial crime, anti-money laundering, sanctions and transaction monitoring.
- Own CASS 15 compliance: client money and asset safeguarding across the business.
- Design and implement an AI-native approach to compliance automation, keeping the function lean.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for FCA supervisory engagement.
- Embed a pragmatic compliance culture across a fast-moving, founder-led business.
- Provide regular compliance and financial crime reporting to the Board.
- Senior compliance experience within an FCA-regulated payments, e-money or fintech business.
- Credentials to hold MLRO accountability, with genuine depth of regulatory knowledge.
- Direct experience with CASS 15 client money and safeguarding rules.
- A builder mentality: comfortable creating and automating a function from the ground up, not managing an existing one.
- Active interest in, or use of, AI tooling to automate compliance workflows.
- Intellectual humility and a sense of humour, comfortable operating lean without a team beneath you.
- Salary: up to £140,000 + equity.
- Location: Central London; 5 days on-site is essential.
- Start Date: ASAP.
At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.
Senior Compliance Manager & MLRO | AI-Native Fintech | London | Up to £130k + equity employer: Harmonic Finance™ | Certified B Corp
Join a dynamic alternative investment business in the heart of London, where you will not only gain hands-on experience as a Finance Assistant but also benefit from a comprehensive study support package for your professional qualifications. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, this role offers a unique opportunity to develop your finance career while being part of a supportive team that values diversity and inclusion.
Contact Details:
Harmonic Finance™ | Certified B Corp Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Compliance Manager & MLRO | AI-Native Fintech | London | Up to £130k + equity
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Harmonic Finance™ | Certified B Corp looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Compliance Manager & MLRO | AI-Native Fintech | London | Up to £130k + equity
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Harmonic Finance™ | Certified B Corp. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harmonic Finance™ | Certified B Corp
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Harmonic Finance™ | Certified B Corp’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
